Mikan Drill Partner Challenge
A classic close-range shooting drill where students chain backboard shots, alternating sides and hands without letting the ball hit the floor. It builds footwork-to-hand coordination, use of the backboard, and finishing with the non-dominant hand.
How to play
- Groups of 4 at each basket. Demonstrate: a short bank shot from the right with the right hand, catch without dribbling, step across, and shoot with the left (2 min).
- Slow phase, 30 seconds each: one shoots, one counts, one checks hand and foot, and the fourth shadows the footwork outside the lane. Rotate on the whistle (3 min).
- Rhythm phase: same sets aiming for nonstop flow, hands high and the ball above the head on every catch (3 min).
- Mikan Challenge: the group adds up the legal makes of all four members, 30 seconds each, and tries to beat that score in round two (3 min).
- Students who have the move try the reverse Mikan, and the group shares which hand felt harder (1 min).
Rules
- A basket only counts if it is shot with the outside hand: right hand on the right side, left hand on the left.
- No dribbling: catch the ball off the rim or backboard and shoot again.
- Safety: students who are not shooting wait outside the lane so they don't collide with the shooter or get hit by rebounds.
Variations
Easier
Allow one dribble between shots and don't require the outside hand.
Standard
Thirty-second sets with no dribble, alternating sides and using the outside hand every shot.
Harder
Alternate regular and reverse Mikans and require at least 10 makes in 30 seconds.
Adaptations
- Wheelchair users: shoot from a fixed spot on each side while a partner feeds the ball back.
- Low vision: use a bright ball and tap the backboard to help them aim.
- Less strength: size 5 ball or a lower side hoop; advanced students add the reverse shot.
Learning goals
- Finish near the rim using the backboard with both hands.
- Coordinate the takeoff foot with the shooting hand on each side.
- Observe and correct a partner's technique using simple cues.
Equipment for a class of 25
- basketball: 7
- basketball hoops: 6
- stopwatch: 1
Teacher tip
The most common error is always shooting with the dominant hand and twisting the body; cue outside hand, elbow under the ball, and eyes on the box. Accuracy first, then speed.
PatioLab has "Mikan Drill Partner Challenge" and 2499 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
More main activities for Middle School
1-on-1 Mini Volleyball Up and Down the River
One-on-one mini volleyball duels on 3 x 3 m courts under a rope 2 m high, using a receive, self-set and send rule.
1-on-1 Self-Pass Volleyball
One-on-one games on narrow 10 x 20 foot courts where each player must self-pass before sending the ball over.
1v1 Four-Gate Soccer Duels
In a square with a gate on each side, two players go head to head and score by dribbling through any of the four gates.
2-on-1 Fast Break with a Chasing Defender
Two attackers push a fast break against a defender waiting at the basket while a second defender chases from behind with a few yards' head start against them.
2-on-1 Through Three Defensive Zones
Pairs of attackers cross the court through three zones, each with a defender who cannot leave it, and finish with a shot on goal.
2-on-2 Mini Volleyball with a Neutral Setter
Two-on-two mini volleyball with a neutral setter under the rope who always plays for the team with the ball.